Ocean City to test special event zone for Cruisin'

Cruisin' Ocean City kicks off Thursday under the auspices of the new special events zone law, signed by Gov. Larry Hogan as emergency legislation to take effect immediately. 

The resort will become a special event zone for the duration of Cruisin', with doubled fines for traffic infractions as well as noise complaints, coupled with strict enforcement by Ocean City police officers as well as other agencies that will be on hand to lend their support during the event. 

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan said the Motor Event Task Force, which he established in 2017, resulted in several helpful changes, including the creation of the Special Event Zone, in cooperation with legislators in Annapolis led by Sen. Jim Mathias.

"The Special Event Zone is going to be a helpful tool while enforcing vehicle violations during our motor events," said Meehan, "and will not only slow speeds on Coastal Highway, but will increase fines for violators."

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Ocean City Police Department spokesman Lindsay Richard expressed confidence in the new law.

“We are confident the special event zone will give our officers another tool to enforce traffic regulations in Ocean City ahead of the busy motor event weekend," said Richard. "Fines will be heavily increased and we hope they will deter traffic violations even further.”

Richard said speed limits along Coastal Highway were reduced to 30 miles per hour Tuesday morning, ahead of the arrival of most Crusin' participants. 

"All speed limit signs are temporarily changed to indicate that reduction," she said. 

Bob Rothermel, event director of the two Cruisin' shows, said he and other organizers had encouraged the town to seek the law, to provide an additional tool in the toolbox for police seeking to enforce existing laws.

"I think it remains to be seen what the end result will be," said Rothermel. "I'm encouraged by a positive review from our participants, who thought it was the right thing to do." 

Meehan confirmed police will continue to strictly enforce violations throughout the town. 

"Safety is and always has been the first priority during these events," said Meehan, "and the town is hopeful the creation of the special event zone will create a safer event for the residents, visitors and law enforcement officers."

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According to the Cruisin' event website, anyone driving in the resort this week can expect strict enforcement of speeding, noise, reckless/negligent driving, spinning wheels and alcohol-related driving offenses. The website also points out that even encouraging other drivers to break the law will not be tolerated.

As a longtime resident of Ocean City and former mayor and town council member, Mathias said he responded quickly when approached by Meehan. 

"I've lived through this event," said Mathias. "I believe first of all, it's a useful tool for the town and law enforcement. Together, participants and sponsors can use it to help provide a safer environment in Ocean City."

But, he said, "this is clearly a tool, not the ultimate enforcement action, but a tool. Combined with public messaging, a saturation of police from Ocean City and allied agencies, as well as self-policing by different groups who enjoy Cruisin', Ocean City and businesses will be the beneficiaries." 

Rothermel said Cruisin' has added additional evening events, including some outside the resort itself, to keep participants busy and engaged in organized activities — and out of trouble on the streets. 

"But in the end, the people who obey the law will obey the law and those who don't will do so at their own peril," Rothermel said.

Mathias talked about his love for the resort and especially for Cruisin' and other motor events. 

"I live here," he said. "I've lived here 46 years and intend to remain the rest of my life. I continue to represent the area in Annapolis, and I'm grateful for the opportunity."

Mathias discussed his personal connection to Cruisin' and to motor events in general.

"I love cars myself, had two Ford Torinos," he said. "I understand it. It excites me. I always said as mayor this is the week that takes me from 55 to 16 (years old) in 5.2 seconds. I love it, I understand the mag wheels, the Hurst shifters, high-rise manifolds. And I understand the thrill."

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But, Mathias said, he also understands the critical importance of safety to the future of these events.

"I really, really enjoy it, and I don't want it to go away," he said. "It's now incumbent upon promoters, officials, participants, law enforcement — all of us — to provide safety for people who come to enjoy it, or who don't even know it's here but end up here."

Rothermel said he's always known Cruisin' Ocean City was a great event, but the problem has been outside the confines of the event itself. 

"As promoters, we don't have control over the vehicles on the highways," he said. "The police need resources and tools to keep control of the highway."

"If something happens, then we're going to have to figure out next steps," Mathias said, "but I'm here to help any way I can."